February 26 – March 9, 2025 A wildfire began in Ōfunato, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, covering a significant area before being extinguished on March 9. It destroyed 171 structures, resulted in one fatality, and forced over 4,500 people to evacuate. This was the largest wildfire in Japan in over 50 years.
Largest Wildfire in Japan in 50 Years Devastates Ōfunato
Ōfunato, Japan — A massive wildfire that broke out on February 26 in the city of Ōfunato, Iwate Prefecture, has been extinguished after burning for 12 days, marking Japan’s largest wildfire in over 50 years. The blaze, which consumed approximately 2,900 hectares (7,166 acres), destroyed 171 structures, resulted in one fatality, and forced the evacuation of 4,596 residents.
Severe Drought Conditions Fuel Disaster
The fire erupted in Akasaki Town during Ōfunato’s dry season, following Japan’s hottest recorded year in 2024. The region had received only 2.5 mm of rainfall in February-a historic low compared to the 41 mm average. Experts attributed the rapid spread of the fire to the area’s dry conditions, steep mountainous terrain, and highly flammable coniferous trees.
Fire’s Rapid Spread and Evacuation Orders
The wildfire was first reported at 1:02 p.m. on February 26. Within hours, evacuation orders were issued, initially affecting the Ryōri area. By the evening, the fire had expanded to 600 hectares, with 84 structures damaged and more than 2,000 people displaced.
As the fire raged on, authorities extended evacuation orders to multiple districts. By March 1, nearly 1,900 households had been affected, with the blaze spreading to 1,400 hectares. The fire continued growing, reaching 2,900 hectares by March 5. The following day, authorities confirmed that it had surpassed Japan’s previous record for wildfire size, set in Hokkaido in 1975.
Efforts to Contain the Fire
Firefighters from 15 prefectures, totalling 2,030 personnel, along with 13 aerial firefighting teams, battled the flames. The Japan Self-Defence Forces were deployed, and disaster relief measures were enacted to aid displaced residents.
Rainfall on March 5 provided a crucial break in firefighting efforts, although officials noted that the fire remained a threat. Evacuation orders were lifted gradually, with 957 residents allowed to return on March 7, and the final orders lifted on March 10.
Casualties and Impact
The fire claimed the life of a 90-year-old man whose body was discovered on February 27. In addition to the 171 structures destroyed, another 39 buildings sustained damage. Electricity was cut to 500 households, and several schools and businesses, including Taiheiyo Cement’s Akasaki plant, suspended operations. Transportation was also disrupted, with sections of Sanriku Railway closed and road access restricted.
The fishing industry suffered significant losses, with multiple processing plants destroyed and fishermen losing vital equipment. Additionally, nearly 3,000 chickens perished due to lack of food and water while their facilities were inaccessible.
Government Response and Recovery Efforts
The Japanese government declared the wildfire a “severe disaster,” unlocking financial assistance for rebuilding efforts. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba pledged support for affected communities. By March 6, Ōfunato had received over 3,600 donations, amounting to approximately ¥160 million (US$1.46 million), with contributions from high-profile figures, including baseball star Roki Sasaki and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
With the fire now fully contained, recovery efforts are underway to rebuild homes, businesses, and infrastructure in Ōfunato. The cause of the wildfire remains under investigation.
Source:
www.nippon.com
